Unseen guests in your kitchen: A military family's guide to decrease forever chemicals like PFAS, microplastics

Military families become highly skilled at rapid pack-out and quickly establishing new living space. Each new house becomes a home, and the kitchen is its heart. It’s where you fuel up for the day, reconnect after time apart, and create a sense of normalcy — no matter the duty station. But what if some of the most common, durable items in that kitchen are introducing unseen guests to your family's table?

We're talking about microplastics and a class of chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. These substances are widespread, but with a little know-how, you can significantly reduce your family's exposure and make your kitchen an even safer haven.

What are microplastics and PFAS?

• Microplastics: These are minuscule plastic particles (less than 5 millimeters long) that break away from larger plastic items. They are generated from the simple wear and tear of everyday products. Think of the fine scratches on a plastic cutting board, the nibble and bitemarks on the spout of a child’s sippy cup, or the breakdown of a plastic food container over time. Microplastics are so small and light that they are found everywhere, from the air we breathe to the water we drink.
• **PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances):**Known as "forever chemicals," PFAS are a large family of synthetic chemicals prized by industry for their ability to resist heat, water, and grease. They are used for nonstick, waterproof, and stain-resistant surfaces on everything from cookware and takeout containers to clothing and carpets. These chemicals have extremely strong bonds, so they don’t break down easily in the environment and can build up in our bodies over time.

Microplastics and PFAS are connected: Microplastics can act like tiny vehicles, absorbing and carrying PFAS and other toxins which can then be released inside the body.

What are the potential health concerns of microplastics and PFAS? 

Scientists continue studying the health effects of these substances; so far, the evidence suggests we need to be careful. This is called the "precautionary principle." This principle means prevention is better than having to heal or recover later. A major challenge is that our bodies have a hard time breaking down these particles and chemicals. The Environmental Protection Agency identifies PFAS health risks based on current research. For example, the academic journal Foods published an article titled “Research Progress in Current and Emerging Issues of PFASs’ Global Impact: Long-Term Health Effects and Governance of Food Systems” in March 2025 that linked long-term exposure to certain PFAS with several health issues, including;

• Increased cholesterol levels
• Changes in liver enzymes
• Reduced vaccine response in children
• Increased risk of high blood pressure in pregnant women
• Higher risk for kidney and testicular cancers

While direct research on humans is emerging, microplastics have been found in human blood, lungs, and even brain tissue.

Animal and cellular studies suggest a link between microplastic exposure and inflammation, cell damage, and hormone disruption.

Developing children are considered especially vulnerable to these effects.

What are the potential sources of microplastics and PFAS in my kitchen? 

Awareness is the first step toward making a change. Your mission is to identify common sources of microplastics and PFAS in the kitchen.

How can I reduce my exposure to microplastics and PFAS?

The goal is progress, not perfection. Every swap you make reduces your family's exposure. Here are some actionable steps you can take toward a healthier kitchen:

• **Upgrade cookware.** When it's time to replace nonstick pans, choose safer, long-lasting materials like cast iron, stainless steel, or glass. These are highly durable and contain no PFAS coatings.
• **Switch cutting surfaces.** Retire your plastic cutting boards. Wood and bamboo are excellent alternatives that don't shed microplastics.
• **Rethink storage.** For food storage, prioritize glass jars, stainless steel containers, and reusable silicone bags.
• Avoid microwaving in any plastic container. Use a glass, ceramic, or other microwave-safe, non-plastic container to cook or reheat food.
• **Choose natural utensils.** Replace plastic spatulas, spoons, and other utensils with versions made of wood, bamboo, or stainless steel, especially for cooking.
• **Filter your water.** Since drinking water can be a source of contamination, using a water filter certified to remove PFAS can significantly lower your exposure.
• Go loose-leaf. To avoid the plastics in many tea bags, switch to loose-leaf tea and use a reusable metal infuser.
• **Minimize takeout packaging.** When possible, ask for your food to be wrapped in plain foil or paperboard containers, or bring your own reusable container for restaurant leftovers.
• Swap the plastic pods. Replace plastic coffee pods with safer alternatives like stainless steel reusable pods or switching to brewing methods like a French press, pour-over, or moka pot.

Small changes make a difference!

Creating a healthy home for your family is a top priority, and you are in command of what comes into your kitchen. By being aware of the unseen guests like microplastics and PFAS, you can make informed, deliberate choices to reduce their presence in your home or office.

Don't feel pressured to replace everything at once. Start with one or two changes, like switching to a wooden cutting board or brewing loose-leaf tea. Every step you take creates a healthier environment for your family to thrive, no matter where your service takes you.

Author Information:

• Dr. Mark Williams serves as a senior biologist at the Defense Centers for Public Health in Aberdeen, Maryland, leveraging extensive experience from previous roles at the National Institutes of Health and the Environmental Protection Agency. He holds a doctorate in hematological oncology and immunology and has held academic appointments at institutions such as Johns Hopkins University and the University of California San Diego. A widely published author, Williams also serves as co-chair of two NATO working groups and as editor in chief of the peer-reviewed journal Drug and Chemical Toxicology.
• Joanna Reagan is a public health nutritionist focused on nutrition-related initiatives across the Department of War. She supports community coalitions focusing on performance nutrition and enhancing the food environment on military installations.
• Farinaz Firouzi is a health systems specialist at Defense Health Agency-Public Health, where she fosters community health improvement through partnerships and integration. As a founding member of the agency's Health and Wellness Council, she helps drive a culture of wellness by equipping employees with accessible, preventative health strategies.
• Wendy LaRoche serves as a health systems specialist at Defense Centers for Public Health in Aberdeen, Maryland, and is a certified Master Community Health Education Specialist, dedicated to enhancing the readiness and resiliency of the military community. Her background in both community health and managed care offers a unique perspective that bridges the gap between grassroots health promotion and complex health care systems. A skilled coalition-builder, she leverages this expertise to develop targeted wellness programs that ensure the force is healthy, supported, and prepared for the demands of military life.

The Defense Health Agency operates the world’s premier military health enterprise—unique in mission, purpose, and obligation to our nation, our Military Service leaders, and our Combatant Commanders.

NOTE: The mention of any non-federal entity and/or its products is for informational purposes only, and is not to be construed or interpreted, in any manner, as federal endorsement of that non-federal entity or its products.